instruments. He appears to be a natural poet. His poems have been published in the newspapers, and read on various occasions. Among the most important of these productions is—" De Nigger's Got to Go,"—written for The Planet of Richmond, Va., and another for the late emancipation celebration, which was very pleasantly commented on by The Richmond Dispatch. Mr. Davis has delivered more choice orations on great occasions than any other young man, within the recollection of the author. This of itself bespeaks volumes for his oratorical ability. Upon the following occasions he has delivered orations, which drew from his auditors rapturous applause and laudatory comments: At the memorial exercises of Gen. Grant; graduating class of Richmond high school; alumni association, Lynchburg, Va.; Y. M. C. A. of Petersburg, Va., of Lynchburg, Va., and of Norfolk, Va.; the laying of the corner stone of the Gloucester high school; the unveiling of Capt. Emmett Scott's monument; the soldiers' re-union at Richmond; and before the masonic fraternity of Richmond.
Mr. Davis is a live, vigorous and happy speaker, full of eloquence and oratory. He is daily called upon to speak on an occasion of some interest; for which he is always ready, especially if he sees in the movement a rising purpose on the part of his race.
Few of our young men have done much more in the journalistic calling than has Mr. Davis. He began this work as correspondent for The Baptist Companion, the organ of the Afro-American Baptists of Virginia; also, for The Boston (Mass.) Advocate. In like capacity, he has served admirably The Richmond Planet, The Lynchburg, (Va.) Laborer, The Masonic Herald of Philadelphia, The Masonic Visitor of Petersburg, Va.; and also The Young Me's Friend, before he assumed the editorship.
The Young Men's Friend is the organ of the colored
